Teacher humbled after over £14,000 raised in memory of mum in 24-hour football match

Daniel Prince

A Hartlepool teacher who organised a 24-hour football match in memory of his mum has been left overwhelmed by the response – after more than £14,000 was raised for charity.

Dave Hughes, 34, who teaches at West View Primary School, in Davison Drive, also took part in Match For The Day, which was held in aid of Marie Curie, which provides care and support for those living with terminal illness.

Brenda Hughes, who passed away last year, was the inspiration behind the charity football match.

It took place at Liverpool John Moores University in Mr Hughes’s hometown, and he was joined by brother Paul in organising it.

Among those who attended were former Everton and Newcastle United player Kevin Sheedy, ex-Everton and Sunderland star Ian Snodin and former Newcastle, Sunderland and Liverpool player Alan Kennedy.

The brothers’ inspiration was their mum Brenda, who passed away last May after a battle with cancer.

Before her death, another 24-hour football match was held, raising just short of £15,000, while £14,200 has been raised this time, with more money expected to come in.

The response we got for it was humbling. For so many people to come along and give money for us to play football was incredible

Dave Hughes

Mr Hughes, who lives in Billingham and teaches a Year 4 class, said: “The response we got for it was humbling. For so many people to come along and give money for us to play football was incredible.

“It was all for a really special cause, and it’s testament to what our friends and family thought of our mum, who was loved by so many people.”

Also involved in the match was Paul Doyle, a colleague of Mr Hughes’ at West View.

Mr Hughes tracked the distance he ran during the game, which came to 52.5km, and he has told of how much it took out of him physically.

He added: “The worst part of it were the blisters.

“You can deal with the fatigue, but the blisters are a bit of a killer.

“It was a bit emotional at the end when the final hooter went, and I’m immensely proud of what we did for such a special cause.”